Signed and numbered limited edition print, "Old Abe". Click photo and "Detailed Description".
This is a beautiful signed and numbered, limited edition print, with COA (Certificate of Authenticity), by famed artist Ginny Genova. The print is of the famous Civil War mascot "Old Abe" and measures 25" x 19". The eagle's story begins in 1861 when Chief Big Sky, who was from the Flambeau band of Chippewa Indians, acquired two eaglets in Vilas County. Chief Big Sky later sold one of the eaglets to a pioneer named Daniel McCann for a bag of shelled corn. The McCann farm is located in Chippewa County. The eagle, tethered with a fishing line, became the family pet.
When the Civil War began, McCann tried to enlist. He was not able to because he had a slight limp from a childhood accident. He took the eagle to Eau Claire and suggested to Captain John E. Perkins, of the Eau Claire Badgers Company C 8th regiment, that the bird would make a great mascot. McCann offered to sell the eagle for $2.50. All the newly enlisted soldiers donated 10 cents each to cover the cost. The eagle became a member of the unit, being ceremoniously sworn into military service. The bird was named Old Abe in honor of President Lincoln and was decorated with red, white and blue ribbons and a rosette. The company's name was changed from Badgers to Eagles.
The eagle, with the regiment during four years of war, was present at 37 battles and skirmishes in Missouri, Louisiana and Mississippi, including a fight at Farmington, Miss., May 9, 1862, when Captain Perkins was fatally wounded. One historian of the period described the eagle's action in battle: "At the sound of the regimental bugle, he would start up suddenly, dart up his head and bend it gracefully anticipating the sudden shock, and when conscious of its reality, his eyes would flash with uncommon luster."
The eagle traveled 14,000 miles with the regiment. After the war he was brought back to Wisconsin and given to the state. The bird had a two-room apartment in the basement of the Capitol in Madison. In 1881, oil and paint that was kept close by Old Abe's room ignited. The eagle was rescued but he later died from inhaling the fumes. There was a lot of discussion about what to do with the remains of Old Abe. It was decided that he be stuffed and put on display in the Capitol. In 1904, the Capitol burned down, and the stuffed body of Old Abe was lost in the fire. However, copies or replicas of Old Abe were created so that people could always remember him and the soldiers who fought in the Civil War. To this day, soldiers in the Army's 101st Airborne Division have an image of Old Abe on their shoulder patch.
About the Artist: Ginny Genova's works are primarily in oils and her paintings of birds and wildlife gained her much fame, as did her aircraft and military works. In 1989 she was commissioned as the official artist for the then Montana Centennial Cattle Drive, in 1990 she was commissioned to create an oil painting for the Indian Health Services (the original toured the U.S.), the same year her "Welcome Wings At Days End" was presented to President George Bush. The next painting done by Ginny to grace the halls of Congress was a moving tribute to the men and women of World War II, titled "The Price of Freedom". Then came her contribution to both the world of art and United States History, her magnificent oil painting of "Old Abe", the Soldier Bird of the 8th Wisconsin Infantry. Her contribution to the veterans of Vietnam is called "Tribute of Tears" to raise funds for local veterans organizations here in New Jersey and copies of these prints have been presented to Charlton Heston and Chuck Yeager. The original painting now rests at the Hall of Records in Morristown, New Jersey.
I can't say enough about this beautiful print, with the outstanding quality of acid-free heavy paper and its vibrant colors. This print has a limited edition of only 1,400 signed and numbered copies. This one has the low number 240 of 1400 produced, and is hand-signed by the artist. Your piece of art will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity with your name, the print number and the date of purchase.
